Dyspepsia management

Warning: Please consult your health care provider before starting any new herbal alternative treatments or medications or supplements.

Dyspepsia is the term to describe upper abdominal discomfort along with fullness, bloating, gas, burning sensation in the stomach area. It could be related to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some patients. Helicobacter pylori can be a possible etiology in some patients. Other etiologies include spicy foods,use of NSAIDs like Aspirin products, stress, gastroparesis, peptic ulcer disease, constipation, bacterial overgrowth and others. Some of the holistic approaches include

1. Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection by specific breath test and getting treated for it by your doctor.

2. Following Gastroespophageal lifestyle changes- like elevating head of bed to 30-45 degrees while lying down, avoid excessive spicy foods or excessive tea or coffee or caffeinated beverages or alcohol, avoid eating within 2-3 hours of lying down, trying to loose weight and achieving Body mass index of 25 kg/m2, daily routine of exercise for 20-30 minutes per day.

3. Getting tested for Gastroparesis per your doctor.

4. Meditation for stress management.

5. Avoiding excessive NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen unless indicated by your health care provider.

6. Concoction of honey lemon water made with freshly squeezed lemon in 8-12 ounces of warm water and 1 teaspoon of honey added to it. Mix it well and drink it every morning. Adding one apple to morning breakfast can also help in some patients.

7.Food diary is of great help in identifying potential food triggers causing the dyspepsia symptom complex.

1. Endoscopy may be needed in some patients with persistent symptoms. Consult your health care provider for persistent symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Warning: Please consult your health care provider before starting any new herbal alternative treatments or medications or supplements.